Mcheuk's Tank And Filtration Setup, Experience/comments on use of pebbles Options

[MCheuk]

Dear veterans,

Originally I had pebbles & plants in my tank for visual appeasement (see attached picture). However, after two months, I found that the pebbles retained a lot of poop and debris. I also discovered baby snails developing (which could be a good / bad sign, depending on the person).

I made 20% water changes per week, but noted some of my ranchus developing red sores on the bodies and blood veins in their fins recently (Water temp was 26C. The tank was running a week before any fish were added) Therefore, I assumed the water quality was inferior. I decided to revamp the tank and it is now a bare tank. The pebbles and plants made the tank look nice, but it created water issues.

Have many of you experienced this?
For goldfish/ranchus - is the best suggestion to have a bare tank?

Thank you.



This post has been edited by CP: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 4:26 pm
Reason: Topic moved & renamed

[mickey85]

Simple - you put numerous big fish in the tank at once, after only a week to cycle (if it cycled at all - what did you do to start the cycle?). Hence, ammonia poisioning showing up as ulcers and bloody fins. The gravel has nothing to do with it. Also, the snails are a GOOD thing! They clean the gravel and save you work. If you want something to eat fish poo and old food - that is it! IF you start thinking there are too many, stick a slice of cucumber in there overnight, then pull it (and about 100 snails) out. You can easily keep them in check like this.

Also, if you put the gravel back in, put the plants back in. They help your water quality as well, eating nitrates and ammonia. Also, if you can get duckweed - it's a good thing. Toss in a bunch, and your goldies will eat it, and it will filter the water as well.

This post has been edited by mickey85: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 7:42 pm